Browse Diseases & Conditions

Urethral Syndrome

Definition

Urethral syndrome is a set of symptoms from inflammation or irritation of the urethra
that are not related to a bacterial or viral infection. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder.

Risk Factors

Urethral syndrome is most common in women. Factors that may lead to an undetected infection:

Unprotected sex (without use of a condom)

History of sexually transmitted diseases

Bacterial infection of other parts of the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidney

Medications that reduce your ability to fight infections

Structural problems, such as narrowing of the urethra

Symptoms

Urethral syndrome may cause:

Pain and/or burning while urinating

Difficulty urinating (especially after intercourse)

Increase in urinary:

Frequency

Urgency

Blood in the urine

Swelling and/or tenderness in the groin

Pain during intercourse

In men, urethral syndrome may specifically cause:

Discharge from the penis

Blood in semen

Pain during ejaculation

Swollen and/or tender testicles

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. It will include a pelvic exam. Urethral syndrome is usually diagnosed when symptoms of urethritis are present without evidence of an infection.

Revisions

Please note, not all procedures included in this resource library are available at Henry Ford Allegiance Health or performed by Henry Ford Allegiance Health physicians.

All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at HLEditorialTeam@ebscohost.com.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.